Qatar start their Asian Cup title defence in fashion with a 3-0 win over Lebanon in entrance of a passionate residence crowd.
Lusail, Qatar – Just a little over a yr since capturing the world’s consideration in a memorable World Cup remaining, Qatar’s Lusail Stadium returned to the limelight because it hosted the opening match of the AFC Asian Cup 2023.
The regional event might not have the identical ring to it because the World Cup, the gamers on the pitch might not evoke the identical reactions as a sure Lionel Messi or a Kylian Mbappe, however there was no lack of ardour as a serious worldwide soccer event returned to the nation on Friday evening.
A grand opening ceremony set the tone within the center, a hoop of vibrant fireworks surrounded the golden mesh-like construction of the nation’s greatest soccer venue and the house staff got here out of the opening match with a snug win over regional rivals Lebanon.
“It feels just like the World Cup to us,” Abdullah Sulaiti, an overjoyed Qatar fan, informed Al Jazeera after Qatar’s 3-0 win within the Group A fixture that attracted greater than 82,000 followers to the stadium.
“I’ve heard people say the ‘vibes’ are not the same as the World Cup but they need to step inside a stadium to feel the electric atmosphere.”
Certainly, earlier than kickoff and up till the tip of the primary half, followers of each groups had been making themselves heard with their singing and flag-waving. Nevertheless, as quickly as Qatar’s lead doubled 11 minutes into the second half, a lot of the crowd started making a beeline for the exit.
“We know our team has three points in the bag and we’ll back to support them in the next match,” Sara al-Malki, who watched the match together with her three youngsters, mentioned whereas making her approach to the exit.
A profitable begin for the Al Annabi (the Maroons) delighted the house followers who had been determined for his or her staff to indicate a glimpse of their title-winning run in 2019.
For Lebanon, and their followers who turned up of their 1000’s, it was a disappointing begin to the event and one which leaves them clinging on to the hope that they will flip issues round of their subsequent two group video games.
“I am not surprised at the result but perhaps the margin of it,” Abdul Rehman Fidawi informed Al Jazeera after the match.
“Some of these players work a day job and then put in a shift on the pitch for the team, so it’s not fair to judge them against a team that has a better quality of players and facilities,” he mentioned.
Fidawi mentioned it didn’t shock him to see a big turnout of Lebanese supporters.
“We may not have one of the best teams but we certainly have a huge presence in Qatar,” he added with a smile.
There was no lack of assist for Palestine both.
It started as 1000’s of followers thronged the general public transport, the streets main as much as the stadium and the venue itself in Palestinian colors.
Be it the black and white keffiyeh, a big flag draped throughout their backs, or smaller ones of their fingers, soccer followers from throughout the area carried solidarity with the war-struck individuals of Palestine into the stadium.
“It means a lot to us when people put on such displays, especially the segment in the opening ceremony where acknowledged our identity – it showed the world that the Palestinians are not alone,” Dia Ebwini, a Qatar-based Palestinian, mentioned.
Qatar’s captain Hassan al-Haydos, who was meant to take the oath because the consultant of the host nation, handed on the honour to his Palestinian counterpart in a transfer that was welcomed by applause and chants in assist of Palestine.
With the Palestinian staff set to open their marketing campaign in two day’s time towards Iran, a much bigger show of solidarity and present of feelings should unfold on the Schooling Metropolis Stadium.
Till then, Qatar and its followers will take pleasure in a second that has been a yr within the making – a win on the nation’s iconic venue.
